Ninh Binh is about 90 km south of Hanoi and is often called 'Ha Long Bay on land' for its limestone peaks rising out of rice fields.
What the day looks like
You leave Hanoi in the morning and arrive in Ninh Binh after a rest stop. First comes Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, with temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le kings. After lunch, a local rower takes you through three caves at Tam Coc, and you can cycle through nearby villages. You are back in Hanoi in the evening.
Trang An or Tam Coc?
Both are beautiful. Tam Coc is shorter and set between rice fields. Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, winds through more caves and limestone scenery. We can swap between them or combine them on a longer stay.
When to go
The rice is green from May, turns golden in June and again in September and October. Winter can be cool and misty, but it is still atmospheric.
What to bring
A hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and a light rain jacket. Boat rides are usually shaded in part, but it can be hot in summer.
